If you break down the word, it makes sense. Adaptogens in the herbal world help support energy and handle stress. In other words, they are thought to help your body adapt to stress. When I was in nursing school, a lot of time was spent teaching us about stress. Stress impacts us every day. What I remember, it’s been almost 35 years, is there is good stress and bad stress. Getting married, having a baby, building your dream home, getting the job you always wanted. This is good stress. Losing your job, getting divorced, losing your dream home, dealing with illness obviously is bad stress.
So, what are some of the signs? Here’s the most common:
• Low energy • Headaches • GI symptoms-upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea are common. • Body aches, pains, and tense muscles • Chest pain and rapid heart beat • Insomnia • Frequent colds and infections • Loss of sexual desire and/or ability • Irritability • Anxiety • Depression
I don’t know about you, but I have at least one of these sometimes on a daily basis!
I wanted to get back to more natural ways like my parents lived. Less junk and more healthy ways. I am in my fifties and my metabolism just fights with me. Lauren, my daughter the herbalist and chef, started throwing words at me. Ashwagandha, Elderberries, Echinacea, Turmeric, and Astragalus. What the heck, I can’t even pronounce them. Oh, I heard about Echinacea, Turmeric, and Elderberries. What is Astragalus?
These herbs have been around back to ancient times. Studies are limited, so really much is by wives’ tales and what was put in writing. The herbal world is gaining steam and there is more research being done. So as a nurse, let me stress a few points. If you have a medical condition, active infection, are on medicine, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have allergies, please talk with your health care provider. Some of these herbs can lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, and work as a diuretic. If you are on medication like blood pressure medicine, “water pills”, or insulin, you could run into problems. There are wonderful health care providers who will work with you if you want to go down the “all natural” route. The other point I want to make is if you have an active infection please go see your health care provider. I think herbs and essentials work on a more preventive path and can improve the quality of your life. OK enough said on that bit!
Now you know what adaptogens do, how do you use them. I did a lot of research and spoke with Lauren and Angie (my daughters and partners). As I mentioned, Lauren is a certified herbalist and chef. Angie has worked in health care and the food industry. We think the best way to take them is either as a tea, syrup, decoction, infusion, capsule, or just added to cooking. The trick is knowing each herb. Lauren tells me you should rotate adaptogens because they only work for about 6 weeks then the body may develop a tolerance. This is where incorporating herbs became difficult for me. Is one better than the other? How much do I use?
I am posting these blogs on Facebook and on our websites. While I would love you to buy our products because they are tested and we are very picky about making sure you get the best quality at the best price, I would love to change the world one blog at a time. My goal is to be a part of bringing the world back to healthier living and using herbs to keep us the best us we can be. I work in a hospital and deal with some really sad situations. What I noticed over the years? I think it’s all about the genes and life style. Feel free to write us on Facebook or on our website.
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